The River Boy

THE RIVER BOY. Finch and Fellow, 2016. A novel of friendship and courage set in 1909 Montana for middle-grade readers (age 8-11).

Wonderful news! Here is a review by Patricia Tilton on her blog, Children's Books Heal. This blog is a wonderful, life-giving resource for children's books!

And here is a review from Bookworm for Kids, a fantastic blog with great recommendations for young readers.

And, here are some kind words from readers (Amazon reviews):

"What a great story and imagination! This story takes you back to Montana in 1909. My grandfather was 5 years old then, so I would imagine him running through the countryside with Clara and Josiah. It's refreshing to read stories about true friendships and helping others."

"My 8-year-old and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this together! It is so well written, with characters that are relatable and memorable. Life lessons are woven throughout in a natural way that inspired conversations with my son on a variety of topics. This book reminds me of so many of my favorite books from my own childhood."

"This story explores how to exult in overcoming problems and obstacles. The shining through of joy by two young people is an example to all of us the powerful force of teamwork, faith and perseverance."

The Grace to Be Human

THE GRACE TO BE HUMAN, forthcoming with Kalos Press early 2018, is a nonfiction, spiritual writing/memoir book for adults.

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WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT IT:

"Instead of taking refuge in ‘desirable’ Christian activities, Jessica Brown wrestles with what it really means to be honest with herself, gradually opening herself to God – and to her readers, who will find many points of painful connection, rueful smiles, even tears. Jessica’s “Prayers for the Light Yoke,” a book in its own right, deconstructs ‘proper’ prayer and brings her (and our) deepest, darkest stuff to the Light where it is held and healed and blessed. This book will help all who genuinely seek to deepen their connection with God and with themselves, no matter where they are on their own spiritual journey."

"Jessica Brown's first book is full of breathtaking insights on our humanness and the paradoxical inhuman ways we resist God. Brown weaves a narrative from her life that lays bare some of our deepest secrets: our idolatry of cheer, our fear of emotions, our resistance to mercy. In our quest to be spiritual, we often try to abandon the very things God wants to use, namely, our very flesh, our faults, our stumbling paths."

"Jessica has done us a huge favor in writing this book. She has chosen to share her heart, her brokenness, her struggles, her wrestling with God with an honesty that invites us to name and admit our own struggles. This book provides a powerful mix of personal story and theological truth needed to help us open to God in ways that foster hope and bring transformation."

"Jesus reaches out to us with his grace, but we often turn his free gift into a burdensome striving for perfection. In her profound and captivating book, Jessica Brown reminds us that God’s grace touches us in our humanness. If the Christian life feels like it is squeezing the life out of you, let Jessica’s reflections on her life story take you to new depths of God’s love."

“‘So much novelty and beauty!’: Persuasion and the Spacious Aesthetic of Restraint” in Jane Austen and the Arts: Elegance, Propriety, and Harmony edited by Natasha Duquette and Elisabeth Lenckos (Lehigh UP, 2013). An academic essay on the moral aesthetics of Anne Elliot: she shows us how elegant a person's kindness - with a little restraint and wisdom - can be.